Christmas came early for the children at Nomzamo Educare Centre in Gugulethu after they received 100 shoe boxes from Pioneer of Change (PC) – a local non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Christmas came early for the children at Nomzamo Educare Centre in Gugulethu after they received 100 shoe boxes from Pioneer of Change (PC) – a local non-governmental organisation (NGO).
The handover happened on Sunday 26 November, at NY91 stadium.
Among others the NGO donated stationery, toys, toiletries and school shoes.
Pioneer of Change is made up of local soccer legends to assist the needy in and around Gugulethu.
Speaking on behalf of Nomzamo, Colleen Maqwili said they are ecstatic about the presents. She said they did not expect so many presents.
Maqwili said the centre was on the brink of closing down due to the lack of funding and sponsors.
“We approached the Pioneers early in October and they responded within a month. On Saturday 18 November, when we had a graduation ceremony for our children, they assisted us with catering, tents and other things,” she stated.
Maqwili declared that their centre has 129 children from zero to six years old. She urged local businesses and other organisations to come on board. “Our centre is in shambles. The structure needs to be renovated and some of the windows are broken. We need baby cots, toys, mattresses etc. We don’t necessarily need cash.
“A donor can buy the mattresses and bring or give us paint, then we will paint,” she explained.
PC co-founder Tumelo Pudumo said helping the needy, especially children, is something closer to their hearts.
He said they did not take the initiative lightly.
“When the centre approached us, their story touched us. We felt that it was a must to do something. We are not just soccer fanatics but we are also fathers. We also encourage other fathers to be responsible,” he said.
Pudumo said they want to change the negative perception that people from other areas have about Gugulethu.
“Amidst the violence that is happening in Gugulethu, there are still good people,” he concluded.